Bruce and Gladys Parris have been involved with the family hardware store since 1968 but have decided to slow down and make the most of their golden years.
Damian Sanderson of John Sanderson Machinery will take on part of the building and Rebecca Baker of Rebecca Baker Pharmacy has purchased the showroom.
And because Mr Parris wants to make sure he has plenty to do in retirement, he will still be transporting wool and machinery using the premises as a base.
While the early years of F.W Parris and Sons is unclear, Mr Parris said his dad and uncle borrowed a stationary hay bailer from their father to start the business.
“They worked with the old-school hay bailers where you brought the hay to the machine and it took a team of men to make it all happen,” he said.
“My dad was quite inventive and he and my uncle slowly improved their process until they were working with more modern, automatic hay bailers.
“They purchased the showroom in Nagambie in the ‘50s and began selling and servicing hay bailers, tractors and other machinery.
“I’m not entirely sure how they made the switch from hay bailers to hardware but over several years they decided it was more viable than trying to keep with the advancing hay bailing technology.”
Mr and Mrs Parris joined the business in 1968 after Mr Parris completed an apprenticeship in Melbourne.
The couple was looking for an escape from the city and had always wanted to return to Nagambie.
“When my uncle died unexpectedly and my dad had semi-retired, I took over and have been doing it ever since,” Mr Parris said.
“In recent years, people have been asking me when I’m going to retire and take some time for myself.
“Gladys and I had chatted about it but we enjoy what we do, so we always put it to the back of our minds.
“I was joking with Damian Sanderson for a number of years about him buying the business and me retiring and one day it actually happened.
“Selling the business is not an option because small hardware stores aren’t viable due to big businesses coming to town.
“Having the building in the hands of another local business is the next best thing.”
The couple wants to stay busy in retirement and remain connected with the community
“I’m going to continue carting wool and machinery. That will keep me going but will allow me to back the pace off,” Mr Parris said.
“We will always remain in the Nagambie community. A big part of what we loved about the business was seeing local faces and finding out what they’re up to.
“While the setting will be different, we look forward to stull catching up with all our regulars.”
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